Community Q&A: What new steps will you take to support small businesses, like easing permits or cutting red tape?
At our Turn Up the Volume Woodstock Town Hall on September 17, several business owners spoke up about challenges they face with city processes. One asked:
Q: What new steps will you take to support small businesses, like easing permits or cutting red tape?
A:
Woodstock’s small businesses are the soul of our local economy — from downtown restaurants and boutiques to home-based startups and creative shops. But we all know how challenging city processes can feel: permits take time, approvals run through multiple departments, and the rules aren’t always written in plain language.
For large corporations, delays are just a line item. For a local café or shop, those delays can mean weeks of paying rent with no customers coming through the door. Imagine trying to open your doors and waiting weeks just to get clear answers on signage approval — that’s the kind of hurdle that makes it harder for entrepreneurs to take a chance on Woodstock.
Here’s how I’d push for change:
Streamline permitting. Right now, business owners often have to bounce between zoning, signage, fire code, and building inspections. The city has online resources, but they aren’t yet a true “one-stop shop.” We can build on what’s there by making it easier to track all permits in one place.
Plain-language guides. Some guidance exists, but it’s not written for the average entrepreneur. We need clear, simple checklists — “How to Open a Business in Woodstock” — that spell out steps, timelines, and costs without the legalese.
Predictable timelines. The city meets some turnaround targets, but business owners need certainty. I’d push for guaranteed timelines on permits and inspections, with automatic escalation if deadlines are missed.
Dedicated support. Woodstock has staff who help businesses, but there’s no single point of contact whose job is to walk small business owners through the process. Creating a liaison role — even part-time — could save people a lot of stress.
Fair fees and flexibility. Our fee structures should recognize that small businesses don’t have the deep pockets of national chains. That means flexible scheduling and reasonable fees for things like signage or special events.
Transparency. Some processes are online, but too much still depends on knowing who to call. Publishing clear processes, timelines, and outcomes makes the playing field fairer for everyone.
Of course, none of this is free. Streamlining services means working smarter with the staff and budget we already have — improving coordination, updating technology, and cutting down on duplication. These changes don’t require raising taxes; they require political will and leadership that listens.
When we make it easier for small businesses to open and thrive, we’re not just helping owners — we’re strengthening Woodstock’s entire community. I want to see more family-owned cafés, music shops, and startups take root here — the kind of places that make people proud to say, that’s Woodstock.
